Finding a Job: How to Make Your Blog Work for You

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You already know, in order to land your dream job, you need to stand out in all aspects of the job search. Whether you’re looking to impress a hiring manager, connect with people in your industry, or share your knowledge with the world, a personal blog might be the difference between ending your job search, and getting your resume tossed in the “no” pile.

If you write your own blog — or you’re thinking about starting one — here are a few dos and don’ts to make blogging work for you in your job search:

1. Showcase your skills

Normally, you only have a cover letter and resume to help decision-makers choose whether or not to offer you an interview, but a blog provides you with another opportunity to showcase your skills. Whether or not you are a writer, a blog can help you highlight the skills that set you apart, adding value to your resume, and providing further insight into who you are.

If you’re a writer, then your writing will do the talking for you, but if not, get creative. Blogging platforms like Exposure and Tumblr make it easy share images and tell your story visually.

If math or accounting is your niche, consider using photos and descriptions to build a “How-to” blog. If you are a graphic designer, use your blog as a portfolio, and describe your inspirations. If science or engineering is what you love, use videos to show readers what you’re studying or what you’ve designed.

Remember, creativity stands out, so no matter what you are interested in, use your blog to reflect who you are and what value you can bring to a potential employer.

2. Create meaningful relationships

Your job search is all about networking, and your blog can be an effective tool for building relationships. Good blogs inspire discussion, so use the comment threads to your advantage.

Don’t just wait for people to comment on your blog, inspire the discussion. Pose thought-provoking questions at the end of your posts, and ask your readers to weigh in. Once they do, be sure to keep the discussion going.

Find out if they have a blog, and comment on their content as well to show your support. Relationships are a two way street, and helping others succeed is a great way to make the kind of connections that can impact your future as well.

Not only will this help your blog readership and personal network grow, but it shows potential employers that you know how to make connections and cultivate personal and professional relationships — a beneficial skill for any employee to possess.

3. Establish your credibility

Generating regular content for a blog means doing research and becoming an expert on the topics you write about. Blogging gives you an opportunity to show potential employers just how knowledgeable you are.

If you’ve done your research and written well thought out pieces, then your blog is an effective tool for showcasing the knowledge and value you can bring to a company.

4. Avoid negative topics and extreme positions

Blogging gives you the freedom to share your opinions with the world, but publishing your opinions also means that anyone can find them. As you consider topics for your blog, try to consider how each topic will fit into your overall focus. Avoid writing about things that may turn potential employers off.

This doesn’t mean you should avoid taking a position on topics that are interesting to you or “in the news,” but be aware that a potentially negative or extreme position could be a dealbreaker for employers. Where a fact-based, insightful piece can show employers your analytical and critical thinking skills, an emotional, incoherent piece could keep employers at arm’s length.

For the best chances of landing a job, keep your blog free of polarizing topics or language, and focus on presenting well thought out, insightful commentary.

5. Keep your cool and don’t take it personally

At some point, you are going to run into someone who doesn’t agree with something you wrote… and they won’t hesitate to tell you. While comments are a great way to build a following and network, they can also be dangerous if you take criticism personally.

Try to treat critical or aggressive comments as an opportunity to showcase your knowledge and ability to deal with adversity. Make an attempt to address the commenters’ issues, thank them for their opinions, and try to keep the discussion cordial and on topic.

If the commenter attacks you or your readers, reinforce your commenting policy, and remove the harmful comments. This strategy will show potential employers that you are open to criticism and know how to deal with adverse situations — something not easily expressed in an interview.

Remember, it’s your challenge during a job search to make yourself stand out to potential employers. Use your blog to help you emphasize your skills, build a strong network and, establish your credibility to give yourself the edge over other job seekers in the market.

What strategies do you use to put your blog to work in your job search? Do you have a blog that helped you find a job? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below!